l split her
best black silk if she doesn't stop."

Mrs. Mundy's cackles were getting shorter and shorter and, wiping her
eyes, she joined us and nodded at Mr. Guard.

"I haven't laughed as much since the first time I went to the circus,
and if there's anything better for the insides than laughing, I've
never took it. Seems to me it clears out low-downness and sour
spirits better than any tonic you can buy, and for plum wore-outness
a good laugh's more resting than sleep. When you're ready to have
the hot things brought up, let me know, Miss Dandridge. Martha's
down-stairs and everything's ready and just waiting for the word."

It was hardly time for refreshments, and at Mr. Guard's announcement
that all who cared to dance could go into the next room, a movement
was made toward the latter, and then all stopped and waited for
Archie Barbee, who, with a low bow, was asking Mrs. Crimm for the
favor of a fox-trot.

Rigidly Mrs. Crimm stiffened. Indignantly she waved Archie away.
"I'm a church member. I never danced in my life, and it's unfeeling
of you to be asking of me when my poor brother's only been in his
grave eight days." She took out a, black-bordered handkerchief from
a bag hanging at her side, and opened it carefully. "It's unfeeling
of you, with him only dead one day over a week."

Hands in his coat pockets, Archie bowed low. "I ask your pardon,
ma'am. I hadn't heard about, your brother--leaving you, and I didn't
guess it, seeing you sitting here as handsome as a hollyhock, though
now you speak of it, I see your dress is elegant black and extra
becoming. I beg you'll be excusing of me. Mrs. Mundy, ma'am, I hope
you'll honor me."

The room had grown quiet, each waiting for the other to move, and,
hearing a step in the hall, I looked toward the door, which was
partly open, then went forward, thinking a belated guest might be
coming in. The door opened wider and Selwyn stood on its threshold.

For a half-minute I stared at him and he at me. In his face was
amazement. As I held out my hand he recovered himself and came
inside.

"I beg your pardon. I'm afraid I'm intruding. I did not know you
were having a--"

"Party. I am." I was angry with myself for the flush in my face.
"You are in time to share in some of it. Mr. Guard"--I turned to the
latter, who happened to be near the door--"will you introduce Mr.
Thorne to some of my friends while I see Martha? I will be back in a
moment." I